LETTER: 'Medical Marijuana Issue Not Resolved"

MILFORD, MA—The following was submitted by Cathy Mitchell. Want to get in on the conversation? Email your letters to charlene.arsenault@patch.com.

Did you know the non-medical/ recreational marijuana issue in Milford is still not resolved? Did you know your ‘YES’ vote to ban these businesses from operating in town has another hurdle at the October 30th Town Meeting? As a result of the rewritten legislation, Milford not only had to vote in a town-wide referendum, but Town Meeting MUST now vote to approve the zoning by-law with their respective precincts to seal the deal. Frustrating and confusing!

Recent local reporting has muddied the waters on this issue. According to news reports citing our Town Counsel, amendments can be made to the article regarding the zoning of these businesses, but that statement is misleading. Yes, changes can be made and voted on at Town Meeting, but what people are NOT being told is that such a move negates the vote YOU cast on September 19th! Per the Attorney General, if the language of the Town Meeting Article which seeks to ban non-medical businesses is changed, it’s like you NEVER voted. You NEVER said, NOT HERE!

Milford has a representative form of Town Meeting. Members are elected by voters in each precinct to represent their constituents’ interests. Shouldn’t a Town Meeting vote be a formality, putting a stamp of approval on YOUR wishes? Milford voters sent a message through the ballot box on September 19th. All members should follow the wishes of the general population. Don’t let Town Meeting Members double-down on their personal opinion. They represent you! Contact them! Hold them accountable!

Cathy Mitchell

Milford